I have a surgery question....?

Question

Back in June of 2000 I had a VBG done (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) from 2000-2005 I was terribly ill with vomiting and infections and debreedments and hernias. By the middle of 2006 my surgery had failed me. The staples in my stomach got out of alignment and the ring or banding above my stomach disappeared. Now I have two hernias located at my belly button with bowel loops that were obstructed. The surgeon I saw wants to perform a Gastric Bypass and once in there doing that he will repair my hernias. Has anyone ever gone through a Gastric Bypass and if yes, did you experience any unpleasant possible dangerous life threatening complications? I really would like to know this. I'm terrified to be cut open again to face the same stuff I had already gone through before. Serious answers only please. Thank you.

Answer 1

My father had GB in 1/04- he is very healthy and happy now. However, he DID have complications during the surgery. There was a microscopic hole in his bowel that was leaking and they had to open him back up twice more to repair it- the second time he had to be put on life support and nearly died. He was in the hospital for 2.5 weeks and the recovery at home was long and hard. He has since had 3 hernias (one each year) since the surgery due to his weakened abdominal wall. He is Healthy now, which was why he had to have it done- he went from taking 13 meds a day down to 2. No longer has sleep apnia (used to have a c-pap machine, no more), blood pressure under control. His personality is so much more confident and overall happy. But he also has to stick to a very strict diet even now. He drinks severl protein shakes a day, cannot have anything with sugar in it, nor any carbonated beverages, can't drink within 30 minutes before or after a meal, can only eat very small amounts of food, etc, etc. (statistics=== 2 out of 100 patients die due to GB surgery). Definitely talk with your dr. about the risks and complications in relation to the benefits for you. Discuss diet, follow-up treatment, recovery, etc.- there is alot to think about when having such a surgery. It's a lifestyle change also. For my dad, even with the complications, it has been worth it. Good luck.

Answer 2

I've never had gastric bypass, but have a dear friend who has. She had to have it in order to get her hips replaced. Many of your complications seem to be due to your weight. This might be your only option in order to gain your quality of life back. Since you are in compromised health already, it could be dangerous to you. You might want to search out web md. If you are unsure of your doctor's opinion, seek another. As for the hernias. I have had that surgery, and that can be painful. You will need to have plenty of help from family and friends. Be sure you have lined that up before surgery. Meanwhile, I'll say a prayer for you before logging off of yahoo. God Bless! Oh, my friend looks and feels great. She is more mobile, and taller!!

Answer 3

well, I'm guessing you chose VBG over GB because it's not permanent. Remember that if you're going to go the GB route, there's no going back. My best advice, get second and third opinions. I wouldn't be too eager to let the surgeon who messed up back into my tummy. Also, if you do go ahead with GB, watch your vitamin levels. Many people I know who've had GB have gotten really sick because of the drop in nutrition they took in. Especially watch your B vitamin levels. Take care and the best of luck to you!

Answer 4

Weight loss surgery-like gastric bypass have become very common and very safe now. There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges Obesity surgery for foreigners in India. They are called the Fly2india4health Consultants. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. I have also read that they arrange financing for international patients, as all surgery is not covered by insurance or by the stinking NHS.

They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. The cost savings are incredible. As a doctor I personally believe that your surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of Healthcare available here is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

My cousin got her Obesity surgery done there and she is more than very happy with the results. She is all praise for Fly2india4health Consultants. She paid just 20% of the cost what she was quoted in USA and it was like a wonderful vacation for her. Hope this helps

Source(s):
http://www.fly2india4health.com

Answer 5

I had a friend who had it done and they were quite pleased with it. The only thing is that food had different reactions. Things that used to clog her up didn't anymore. THings she used to like she couldn't stand.
It's a pretty limited diet when you start out as well while your body adjusts to the new circumstances.
There are risks with every surgery, but it sounds like you are going to have tp be opened up again anyways, might as well get it all said and done.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

i'd get a 2d opinion. Even for some thing as minor as that, the way i glance into it, any time you're able to shrink into some thing could be a final motel. i do no longer know lots approximately carpal tunnel, yet finding on what you do this led to it, possibly see if there is actual scientific care or some thing you're able to do to bolster those muscle mass or some thing.

Answer 7

I've had a lot of sugeries too, and I hate to think about going again, but it sounds like they are going to fix you up this time. It will sure be better than what your going through now. My friend had a GP and she's doing great. Good luck

Answer 8

I have no experience here but am wondering if perhaps you should seek a second opinion? Best of luck to you.

Answer 9

i know this doesnt answer your question, but good luck and hope you feel better soon. try talking to your doctor and ask him/her what you should expect